The Solution

Are you having difficulties getting your 3D prints to stick without warping? Struggling to remove your finished model after printing? Tired of messing around with inadequate solutions such as kapton, blue builders tape, hairspray and ABS slurry? LokBuild is the answer!

LokBuild provides the perfect printing surface for 3D models to adhere and also allows completed objects to be removed easily. LokBuild is a durable sheet that sticks to the bed of 3D printers.

What is LokBuild?

LokBuild is the ultimate 3D printing surface for FFF/FDM 3D printers. It is a long lasting alternative to films and tapes.

LokBuild can be easily cut to suit the exact shape and size of your 3D printers build surface. LokBuild is made from uniquely textured sheets that attach to your build plate easily with heat-resistant adhesive backing.

LokBuild replaces the need for blue masking tape or polyimide films such as Kapton Tape. It is made from heat-resistant materials to provide a stable build platform for 3D printed models whilst allowing completed models to be removed easily.

LokBuild Materials

We are constantly testing new materials. Here is a list of just some materials that have been successfully printed on LokBuild...

Improved Model Adhesion and Reduced Warping

How to use LokBuild

If you have ever used tape or films you will know that they are difficult to fit. LokBuild is more rigid and really easy to apply to your build plate. Also it is almost impossible for air bubbles to get trapped beneath the LokBuild surface.

Installation

1) Wipe down the build platform making sure it is clean.

2) Trim LokBuild to match the shape and size of your build plate. This can be done easily with general household scissors or a craft knife.

3) Remove the adhesive backing and apply LokBuild to the build plate. Start from one side and work your way to the other side, smoothing LokBuild as you go.

4) Adjust the printers nozzle height and check that the build surface is level.

How to clean LOKBUILD

LokBuild should not need to be cleaned very often but if you do please use alcohol wipes or similar (low % Isopropyl). Do not use acetone or anything with a high % Isopropyl, this will damage the surface.

Nozzle Height Calibration

LokBuild is much more forgiving than some other products when setting the nozzle height and does not require such a high level of accuracy. However there will be an optimal nozzle height for your chosen material and printer.

The key to a good nozzle height is to experiment. We recommmend starting further away from the bed than with other surfaces and then reduce the nozzle height slightly until the print sticks to LokBuild.

The vast number of printers and materials makes it impossible to give exact print parameters but a good starting point for the nozzle height would be between 0.20mm - 0.25mm.

TIP: When setting the nozzle height start further away from the bed than with other surfaces such as tapes. LokBuild works better without squashing the filament too much on the first layer.

Removing Completed Prints

In most cases prints will pop off cleanly with minimal effort. However on some models with larger contact areas a spatula may be useful.

TIP: When printing with the bed heated above 100 deg C it is good practice to allow the build surface to cool before removing the prints. This will increase the lifespan of your LokBuild surface.

Troubleshooting

Why won't my prints stick to LokBuild?

This is usually due to the nozzle being too far away from the LokBuild surface. Decrease the nozzle height slightly and repeat until you get good print adhesion.

Note that some materials such as ABS may require the nozzle to be closer to the LokBuild surface than others.

Why are my prints difficult to remove from LokBuild and are sticking too well?

This is usually because the nozzle is too close to the LokBuild surface. Increase the nozzle height slightly and re-level the print bed. Removal of larger ABS prints can be helped by reheating the print bed.

TIP: When setting the nozzle height start further away from the bed than with other surfaces such as tapes. LokBuild works better without squashing the filament too much on the first layer.

What bed temperature should I use for PLA?

When using LokBuild with PLA we recommend to use an unheated bed if possible.

Does the bed need to be heated to print with ABS?

To print successfully with ABS the bed should be heated to the filament manufacturers reccomended temperature (usually around 100-110 deg C).

Where conditions are good for ABS printing, such as an enclosed printer with an actively heated chamber, the bed can be a lower temperature than usual when used in conjunction with LokBuild. Materials such as PLA based can be used without a heated bed.

TIP: When printing with the bed heated above 100 deg C it is good practice to allow the build surface to cool before removing the prints. This will increase the lifespan of your LokBuild surface.

How do I remove LokBuild from my print bed when it needs to be replaced?

When you need to replace LokBuild it can be removed from the build plate cleanly in one piece and usually leaves no residue behind. This can be made easier by heating the bed slightly before removal.

Once removed LokBuild can't be reused as removal will diminish the adhesive.

Is LokBuild available in different sizes and colours?

Most stockists will carry our standard sizes but some will have additional sizes and colours. In some cases special LokBuild surfaces will be availble for specific printers. Please visit our stockists area for details.

TIP: All LokBuild surfaces can be trimmed to match the shape and size of your build plate. This can be done easily with general household scissors or a craft knife.

LokBuild in Action...

Why choose LokBuild?

The Ultimate 3D Print Build Surface...

PREVENT WARPING / EFFORTLESS MODEL REMOVAL

LokBuild creates an excellent bond between 3D printed models and the build surface while preventing curling and warping. When prints are completed the model can be cleanly removed with minimal effort. This is a vast improvement over the excessive scraping and forcing involved with some of the alternatives.

Another big advantage of LokBuild is its durable finish. It is very effective at protecting the build plate. It is heat resistant and durable and can be reused for many consecutive prints. You can also use LokBuild with many different types of filament without needing to change the printing surface.

LokBuild is much more forgiving than some other products when setting the nozzle height and does not require such a high level of accuracy. This makes the calibration process much simpler and printing more enjoyable. TIP: When setting the nozzle height start further away from the bed than with other surfaces such as tapes.

If you have ever used tape or films you will know that they are difficult to fit. LokBuild is more rigid and really easy to apply to your build plate. Also it is almost impossible for air bubbles to get trapped beneath the LokBuild surface. LokBuild can be removed from the build plate cleanly in one piece and usually leaves no residue behind.